What's On: Foodies Festival, Edinburgh plus a GIVEAWAY

Next month the Foodies Festival is back at Edinburgh's Inverleith Park on 7th, 8th and 9th August. We had a brilliant time there last year and are super excited to be returning. It was such a fantastic weekend - you can find my previous post here and below is the vlog I created from our weekend antics. This year I'm taking my wee sister Ali & her other half Robin along with us - it's going to be so much fun.

For the 10th Anniversary Celebrations, the event is going to be 50% bigger and there are loads of interesting demos, an extended Producers Market and a huge selection of street food to feast upon...Japanese, Thai, Brazilian, Argentinian, Indian, Mexican, French, African...

There are some hands on masterclasses that sound intriguing... bee keeping, oyster shucking and foraging. There is going to be food and drink pairing masterclasses in the new Wine, Champagne and Craft Beer Theatre; daily cocktail competitions between local bars to find Edinburgh's Best Mixologist and cake modelling and sugar-craft workshops in the Cake & Bake Theatre. It all sounds brilliant!!

For the kids there are Picnic in the Park themed masterclasses in the Children's Cookery Theatre where they can learn to make finger sandwiches, jellies and chocolate bugs (all children under 12 years old go free when accompanied by an adult).

There is also a Chilli Eating Competition that I'm sure Rick will be up for.. can he win the Chilli Eating Crown?

And guess what? I have three pair of tickets up for grabs!! All you need to do is follow the Rafflecopter instructions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't win the tickets, then you can buy yours online at www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.

Competition runs 15th July to 29th July.
There will be three winners; picked at random.
Each prize is one pair of tickets; no cash alternative available.
Thanks to @LanyardMedia for providing this prize

{Ideas for the October Holidays - Days Out & Things to Do}

I thought I'd share a few ideas for days out and things to do with the kids for the October holidays, in no particular order I might add...

Fingers crossed for some dry weather!

1. Kelburn Castle, Country Centre and Estate - they have a magical Secret Forest!!! I know that my littlest would *love* this. I'm sure I've been here as an adult, bc (before children). But I must take my kiddies back to have a look themselves.

2. Briarlands Farm - the kids and I  have been here once before and we all had a blast. I can highly recommend it.

3. Heads of Ayr Farm Park - we've also been to this farm and loved it too! Loads to do and you could easily spend a whole day here.

4. M&Ds Theme Park - again, the one time that we visited M&Ds we had so much fun! I think if I was to go back, we'd spend a bit more time and visit Amazonia too.

5. The Helix - this is on my list of places to visit. Once my son is a bit more competent on his bike, I think we'll head here to do some of the family bike rides.\

6. Whitelee Wind Farm - also on my list is the wind farm at Eaglesham. There's a visitor centre with an exhibition and cafe plus trails to go cycling round that I believe are suitable for a leisurely cycle plus more adventurous riders.

7. Enchanted Forest - we're going here this month for Scotland's award winning sound and light show and we're super excited! All Saturday night shows have now been sold out but there are still tickets available for other evenings. I've never been before, but heard many great things.

8. Kirkcudbright - this was a recommendation from a colleague of mine. Kirkcudbright is set on the edge of the Galloway hills in Dumfries and Galloway. There are plenty of activities to do in this fishing town including a farm park, horse riding, cycling and some museums too.

Any other suggestions folks?

We're actually off to Aberdeen today for a few nights. We have plans to visit Drum Castle for the Exclusively Highlands Meet the Makers event and I also fancy taking the kids to Satrosphere. I have great memories of Satrosphere from when I was a kid, so hopefully mine like it too! We'll also be spending some quality time with my family that are still in the city.

Enjoy the holidays everyone :-)

{A Trip to the Movies at Glasgow Fort}

Last week the kids and I headed to Glasgow Fort to visit the new Vue Cinema. We had tickets organised for 'Postman Pat: The Movie' and the kids were very excited about it. I was less excited about the film... Postman Pat doesn't really do it for me... but this wasn't for me, this was an experience for the kids to enjoy.

I keep forgetting that Glasgow Fort really isn't all that far from Glasgow City Centre (it literally took us 10 minutes to get there!) so we arrived well in advance of the screening start.

We also got parked up right at the door too. There were plenty of spaces which was fab so no issues there. (We visited the cinema on a Friday afternoon however rather than at the weekend, so I'm guessing on a Saturday or Sunday it might be different).

The cinema itself is great. Nice and spacious and the facilities are all lovely and clean with it being so new. We got our tickets and the kids were given a Postman Pat sticker book as well. After a quick trip to the toilets, we headed back to the foyer to have a comfy seat and had a browse through the stickers.




















We then went to buy some snacks. There were two choices of kids snack packs, one with a Slushie or fizzy drink, Twirl and kids popcorn, the second cheaper option was a Fruit Shoot, Oreo cookies and popcorn. My son was keen to have the Twirl but there wasn't an option for a still drink with it so thankfully I managed to persuade him to have the chocolate biscuits instead (I did ask for a Fruit Shoot with the Twirl, and I would have paid the higher price, but was told that it wasn't an option). If I'm honest, I think I preferred the Odeon Kids Mix snack boxes and their pick n'mix system was superior to the two choices at Vue - not sure what the other parents think on this? If you were a group of 4 then the All-Inclusive Family Package might be worthwhile:

Anyway, we got to our seats early which gave us a chance to take some photographs, and there was a family behind us taking some snaps too!

I had never noticed before that booster seats were available for little ones so they could sit in their own seat. The plastic boxes don't look overly comfortable, but it's good to know that the option is there should you want to give it a try. In comparison to some other cinemas we've been to, I thought the seats at the Vue were spacious and I didn't feel cramped or crushed (I'm quite tall at 5' 11").

The lights then dimmed as the movie began!!


There have been some bad reviews of the film in the press, such as The Telegraph's headline "Postman Pat: The Movie, review: 'doesn't get stamp of approval'" and "shiny, slightly scary spin-off" at The Guardian.

But surprisingly enough I actually quite enjoyed it!

I laughed out loud at the various test robots that were trialed.

And then I had a tear in my eye when Pat took to the stage to sing and there were flashbacks to his wedding to Sarah, Julian as a baby etc. (everyone I've told about this has found it highly amusing!)

The littlest was jumping around in her seat at the robot dance scenes and there were a few hairy moments when my son was on the edge of his seat waiting to see what happened next!

The littlest was scared at The Lego Movie, whereas she came out of this one and was really pleased with herself because "I didn't cry". It might have been a little scary for anyone under the age of 3 though!

I sadly enough even wrote down a quote in my phone that Pat said during the film as I knew I'd forget it otherwise... "it's so easy to lose sight of what's important".

Have you seen the movie? What did you think? Yay or nay?

'What did you think of Postman Pat: The Movie?'

'Fine' says my son in response!
(Need to work on his reviews I think, lol!!)

A trip to the cinema has become so expensive these days. The Kids AM ticket offers that are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings (& every day in school holidays) make it more reasonable, but if you want to include the snacks that are available at the cinema (& my littlest is always adamant that she wants popcorn!) then the price soon mounts up!

But you can't beat seeing a movie on the big screen!!!

I'm keen to go and see Godzilla, perhaps on Super Tuesday when there's a 1/3 off adult tickets all day!!

We received complimentary tickets for the film in exchange for an honest review. As always, opinions are my own. 

{What's On: Visit West Lothian}

I was sent the details of some family days out in West Lothian that I thought I'd share with you here. I'm yet to visit some of these attractions, so if you've been then do let me know how you got on. I'm keen to get the kids to Almond Valley now the weather is improving and like the sound of Five Sisters Zoo.

"Step into spring in West Lothian and discover the beauty of central Scotland’s playground. With nature walks, Highland Games, owl flying displays and family crafts there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For the animal lovers…

During springtime Almond Valley is alive with the cheeps of newly hatched chicks, the bleats of baby lambs, and all sorts of other noises from all manner of new arrivals on the farm. Even if the sun isn't shining there's more fun to be had indoors, exploring imaginative play areas and interactive museum displays, or enjoying a tasty treat in Morag's Milkbar. During the school holidays there will be further games, trails and Easter crafts.

Take a visit to Five Sisters Zoo and see how many animals you can spot! With lemurs, lynx cats, parrots, meerkats and bears there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. If you’re looking to get up close with the animals go along to one of the feeding sessions which take place twice a day, not only will you get the chance to hold some amazing animals you’ll also learn more about their eating habits.

Visit the Scottish Owl Centre at Polkemmet Country Park and discover one of the largest collections of owls in the world! Get up close in one of the daily indoor flying displays or book your own private Owl Encounter. Capture the moment you held Africa's biggest owl or have fun shooting down the giant owl slide. Discover fascinating facts about the habits and habitats of these breath-taking birds.

For the lovers of the outdoors…

Put a spring in your step and join the Ranger on a walk through Hopetoun’s beautiful grounds. Discover the natural history of the beautiful flowers which signal the arrival of spring and enjoy a picturesque walk with the whole family. Enjoy a visit to the Stables Tearoom afterwards where you can treat yourself to some delicious soup and sandwiches followed by some tasty homemade treats.

Visit Polkemmet, Almondell & Calderwood and Beecraigs Country Park this spring and discover the outdoors. With mountain bike trails, orienteering and fly fishing available at Beecraigs Country Park and golf, a bowling green and a play area at Polkemmet Country Park it is a day out the whole family will love.

For the fashion conscious…

Banish the winter blues by indulging in a new spring wardrobe! Take a visit to The Centre, Livingston and explore the latest catwalk trends at high street stores including Topshop, Debenhams and River Island. With Nandos, Wagamama’s and Chiquitos all open late every evening you can enjoy a bite to eat after a bit of retail therapy. 

Escape to West Lothian…

Treat yourself to a break at the Mercure Livingston Hotel with their Love Spring offer, where you can enjoy a two night stay with a delicious three course dinner. For more information and to book visit www.mercurelivingston.co.uk/love-spring.html.

For an idyllic peaceful retreat why not enjoy the perfect escapeat Hilly Cow Wigwams. You can take in the fabulous views of the Forth Valley and the Pentland Hills while relaxing around the campfire before retreating to the comfort of a heated wigwam. With a play park, games room and fully equipped kitchen on site, and a variety of walks and cycle routes surrounding the area, it is the perfect weekend getaway. To book please visit www.hillycowwigwams.co.uk.

Mid Lodge Cottage is the ideal place to spend a weekend with family or friends this spring. The self-catering holiday cottage sleeps six people and is located in the beautiful parkland in the exclusive Hopetoun estate within walking distance of Hopetoun House, which re-opens on April 18. To book visit www.hopetoun.co.uk/holiday-accommodation.html.

Dates for your diary…

Bathgate 2014 will take place on Saturday 31^st May. Comprising of the world’s second largest pipe band event, the British Pipe Band Championships, and the long-established West Lothian Highland Games, the day is set to attract thousands of people to the town with one ticket covering the Meadow Park and Borough Muir festivities. International singing sensation, and local lass, Susan Boyle is Chieftain on the day and there will be Highland dancing, caber tossing and shot putting, as well as pipe band playing to enjoy throughout the day.

Come along to Howden Park Centre during the month of March and get in touch with your creative side. On March 14 join some talented West Lothian writers for an evening of poetry, reading and storytelling. Take part in the illustration workshop run by Gary Dewaron March 23and uncover your inner artist. Do you think you know The Adventures of Robin Hood? On 18 April join internationally acclaimed Visible Fictions for a silly and unexpected family show full of chases, explosions and a flaming baguette!

This year the Scottish Birdfair will be taking place at Hopetoun House during the weekend of May 10-11. With talks, workshops and fun filled children’s activities there is plenty to entertain the whole family.

Revel in the music of Simon and Garfunkel on March 1 when popular tribute band, The Sounds of Simon, come to The Regal, Bathgate. Enjoy a two-hour show featuring hits from four decades including favourites such as Homeward Bound, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Mrs Robinson.

Test yourself this May and take part in the Bing Blazer! The 5km event will see participants set off from Capers Farm, Armadale on May 17, before testing themselves on the mystery obstacle course. With the destination and the course route remaining under wraps until a few weeks before the event you will need to train for the unknown!

Get running for charity on May 11 and raise money for Prostate Scotland by taking part in the Baw Bag Baw Buster Duathlon. The duathlon begins with a cross country 3k run, then a 10k part off-road cycle finishing with a 3k off-road run which ends atHilly Cow Wigwams. With prizes for the best pants it’s time to embrace your inner super hero and wear your pants on the outside!"

Hilly Cow Wigwam

{Everything is Awesome - Lego Movie Review}

At the weekend, R & I took the kids to see The Lego Movie.

I don't know who was more excited, them or us!

It was the first time I'd taken the kids to see a film, and I was really impressed. It is an expensive morning out, but it was worth it. I booked our Odeon family ticket online for just over £27 and at the cinema we got treats for us all for £9.99 - the Odeon Family Mix includes 2 Kids Mix (snack, drink & kids popcorn), 2 medium drinks and 1 medium popcorn.

The movie itself was amazing. I absolutely loved it... I laughed and I cried. Definitely the sign of a good film. My favourite character was Batman, although Liam Neeson as Bad Cop/Good Cop was also highly amusing. It's a great film for all the family. There's a lot of adult jokes and an interesting political undertone (R's words, not mine!). 

The kids were very well behaved, although the littlest sat on my knee throughout which hampered my viewing at points. Plus, despite taking her to the toilet before the screening started, we still had to go half way through so I missed a wee bit!

Emmet and Batman

Bad Cop

As we were leaving the cinema, I took a quick video of my son to capture his thoughts... I should have thought ahead of what questions I was going to ask (poor planning on my part!) but you get the gist!

"Everything is Awesome!"

All in all, we give the movie a big thumbs up. I would happily watch it again, and again!

We also discovered that Dobbies have half price DK sticker books... The Lego Movie and Super Heroes... reduced from £7.99 to £3.99. I bought two and have stashed them for a rainy day (of which there are plenty in Glasgow!).

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{Disney on Ice is coming to Glasgow}

I am yet to take my little ones to the cinema, theatre or the like and so when the opportunity came up to review the newest Disney on Ice show, Worlds of Fantasy, at Glasgow's Hydro I of course said yes!

The show is coming to Glasgow's Hydro on 27th - 30th March 2014 and looks set to be a great performance.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy... a captivating adventure taking Disney lovers (like me and the kids!) across the auto-racing terrain of Cars, Andy's bedroom for some Toy Story 3 fun, under the sea with Ariel from The Little Mermaid and into Tinker Bell's mystical Pixie Hollow.

The excitement begins when Mickey Mouse embarks on his adventure with Minnie (who else!?) to uncover each world of fantasy, but their plan goes awry when their car breaks down. Donald Duck and Goofy try to fix it, but it takes the assistance of the coolest Cars on ice to get it working again!

Worlds of Fantasy offers the perfect combination of elements for fans of Disney On Ice. “From the contemporary feel of Cars and Toy Story 3 to the timeless quality of The Little Mermaid and Tinker Bell, audiences will see four completely different Disney worlds brought to life,” says producer Kenneth Feld. “All of this provides a value that is truly unparalleled in the world of live family entertainment. More than ever before, there’s something for everyone.”

I can't wait!

The facts about the show are really interesting too...

• Each life size car took 2,000 man-hours to build
• It takes over 12 hours to set up the show at each new site
• 13 production trucks are used to take this show from city to city
• There are 79 different paint colours in the show

Under the sea!

(The hilarious thing is that I still have that exact shirt for my Ken doll!!!!!)

Tinker Bell and the other fairies

{St Andrew's Day Oot}

Thought I'd quickly follow up on my previous What's On Christmas and St Andrew's Day in Glasgow post to tell you about St Andrew's Day Oot.


















Over 130 venues and attractions in Scotland are running free and discounted entry to mark St Andrew's Day this weekend, including...

• Edinburgh Dungeon
• City Sightseeing Buses in Glasgow
• Scottish Sealife Centre in Loch Lomond
• Amazonia (rather fancy taking the kids here, and this weekend kids go free!)

...where you'll find either 2 for 1, kids go free or free entry.

We love the Tall Ship & Riverside Museum - definitely worth a trip and these attractions are always free :-)

To find out more about what's going on in your area for St Andrew's Day... have a look at this website www.scotland.org/fun.

{What a Difference a Day Makes}

Yesterday was a good day. Worlds apart from how I was feeling at the start of the week!

I spent the day at Heads of Ayr Farm with a good friend and her three daughters. It was exhausting, but so much fun. The toddler had a blast, particularly in the digger sand pit area! I'd definitely recommend a visit if you're in the Glasgow area. It's just an hours drive and well worth the trip. I will be going back!

Diggers in the sand pit!

He refused to pose for a photo!!

Peek-a-boo! (covered in raspberries from lunch!)

Enjoying the sun, but refusing to wear her sunhat!

Son posing as a skunk! (at least I think that's what it is?)

Exhausted!

On the go-kart with toddler!!